Ministers of telecommunications and information technology (IT) from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has said that they have endorsed Japan's proposal for cooperation to ensure a "smart" IT network in the region.

In a joint statement issued after the 13th ASEAN Telecommunications and IT Ministers Meeting in Singapore on November 15, the ministers agreed to cooperate with Japan to realise the "ASEAN Smart Network Initiative," which Tokyo proposed in 2011 to support the ten ASEAN member nations develop their information and communication technology (ICT) capacity and enhance regional connectivity.

According to Masahiro Yoshizaki, Japan's deputy minister for policy coordination in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication, promised that the ministry will assist ASEAN member countries to further develop high-speed broadband in the region.

In addition, Tokyo will also share experience in telecommunications and digital infrastructure development with ASEAN to overcome network traffic bottlenecks, including those that could affect internet security, he said.-VNA